Last week, the Golden State Warriors traded D’Angelo Russell, Jacob Evans, and Omari Spellman to the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange for Andrew Wiggins, a 2021 top-three protected first-round pick, and a 2021 second-round pick.
Could this be a fresh start for Wiggins’ career?
The trade raised some eyebrows around the NBA and a lot of critics have been going in on Andrew Wiggins and the Warriors.
Andrew Wiggins, 2014 first overall pick is in the second year of a five-year/$140 million contract and averaging 22.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.7 assists per game this season.
Despite putting up arguably the best numbers in his 6-year career in the NBA, Wiggins hasn’t lived up to the full potential and expectations of being the first overall pick. I still wouldn’t call him a bust, though. Seven years ago, the 18-year-old from Toronto was considered the best high school prospect since LeBron James in 2003, some even said he would be the next LeBron James.
Fast forward to the present day, the only thing Wiggins has accomplished is winning 2014-15 NBA Rookie of the Year Award. Not even once he was selected for NBA Player of the Week, so he was nowhere near the All-Star conversation.
However, environment and culture matter. Throughout his career, Wiggins has played for multiple coaches that come with different systems and structures. So ‘coaching stability’ has been a big part of Wiggins’ ups and downs. On top of that, the Minnesota Timberwolves has been dealing with front office changes during Wiggins’ time with the organization as well.
So what can the Golden State Warriors expect out of Andrew Wiggins?
After two games with the new team, the 24-year-old, 6-foot-7 small forward is averaging 21 points, 2 rebounds, 3.5 assists, while shooting 53.8% from the field. So far so good, I would say.
Wiggins does give the Warriors a slasher, he will be a better fit alongside with Steph, Klay, and Draymond when all healthy. When engaged, Wiggins could be a good defender, good passer, good catch & shoot. He’s still young, athletic, healthy and durable. He won’t offer as much as Kevin Durant did, but he will be more than a Harrison Barnes 2.0. In defense, Harrison Barnes was a good solid player. However, his disappearance in the 2016 NBA Finals costed him a bad reputation for his career. Good thing he has a good agent who was able to get him a $94 million contract with the Dallas Mavericks during the following offseason. (Give that guy a Nobel Prize!)
Moving forward, the ceiling is high and future is bright for Andrew Wiggins with the Golden State Warriors. If anyone could bring out the best of Wiggins, it’s the Warriors. I look forward to next season with Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, Andrew Wiggins, and Draymond Green on the court together. Not to mention, the Warriors currently have the best chance for the first overall pick in the draft… James Wiseman? That would be a lethal lineup. Andrew Wiggins and the Warriors will be just fine, count them out for this year, but these guys are gearing up for another run.
Word on the Court 